Higganum Cider Press

Q:         I inherited an old cider press from my uncle. Stenciling on it reads, “The Higganum Mfg. Corporation Manufacturers, Higganum, Conn., USA.” It still works. We made cider with it the other day. Can you tell me anything about its history and value?

A :        Higganum Manufacturing Co. was founded by brothers George and Thomas Clark in 1867. The company made cider mills, wine presses, lard presses, wagon jacks and agricultural equipment. It was incorporated by about 1880. In 1892 the company was renamed Clark Cutaway Harrow, after its most successful product. Several of the factory buildings burned down in 1914, but the company continued to operate for several more years. The rest of the property was sold in 1942. Your cider press was probably made in about 1880, before the company name was changed. Value: about $100.